UOAA Discussion Board

Usually I take meds for high blood pressure but last Wed. Night suffered a blockage which included vomiting an the loss of nearly 7 pounds overnight. I was not able to even start rehydration til mid afternoon on Thursday. The block started to clear around 5 pm. I ate nothing Thursday. FRIDAY i had some lipton chicken noodle soup and soda crackers and began drinking water. Have regained 4 pounds but still struggling to keep hydrated. Sunday a hot bath plus dehydration caused low bp symptoms. Today, I fell down on the job and had only black coffee til evening. I had restarted my bp meds yesterday and this morning but finding my bp staying around 110/60 when just resting or a bit lower. Not critically low, but i don't want to take meds yet.

I know that it takes awhile to restore hydration especially without hospitalization for iv fluids, but with the corona virus issue, i don't think it is a good idea to go there. I know I have been careless with rehydration and that it has only been essentially 3 days.

I guess looking for reassurance that attention to hydration will work, if i am more conscientious about it.

I had a problem back in the summer when in hospital for another problem and the doctors had me on diuretics thus causing dehydration and in turn low blood pressure. I suppose i also need to check in at least with my GP... duh

I'm no doctor but recently had surgery. My bp is usually low -- about what you've reported. In addition to increased hydration, I'd suggest adding electrolytes. You can get these in Gatorade which I personally dislike but it comes in many flavors. Other sports drinks have them as well as Pedialyte which can be costly. But it's important to balance your system. Here's a site that may help. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/el ... onut-water

If possible, decrease your intake of caffeinated coffee or tea. Can you drinkk herbal teas or decaf? I've been drinking a lot of peach ginger tea with raw, organic honey and enjoying it.

Good luck!

I strongly suggest checking in with your doctor when it comes to blood pressure issues if the rehydration has not been resolved by now. Also, your doctor may appreciate being updated on the blockage episode. Please continue to keep us on the board informed as well.
With this coronavirus crisis burdening our healthcare professionals, those of us with chronic conditions must be hyper vigilant in assessing our individual situations & in relaying the info to our own support system i.e. doctors/nurses, family/friends who we rely upon in an emergency. Forewarned is forearmed.

Diane: Good to see you posting!

Keep safe, everyone & God bless.

resolved now. thanks all.

Cee Ess, just read your post, and this is exactly what I'm afraid of happening at this time, with the virus problem. I also have had several blockages, due to adhesions, and was operated on to remove them last year. The first operation apparently went well, but I caught an infection and had to have a second surgery. It was touch and go for a while, but I recovered, even though I've been back to the hospital 3 times, with cramps and severe vomiting , the last time being about a month ago. Just wondering, how were you able to manage at home with the vomiting? When it happens to me, I throw up, and it does not stop, so therefore, have to go to emergency for intravenous medication. So, again, just afraid that it will happen again. Was your blockage also due to scar tissue, and if so, are you doing anything to help it along?

Hope all is still going well with you. Thank you.

paula

No, Paula, my blockage was my fault, due to eating nuts and not drinking enough water to get them to clear. Or perhaps just eating nuts for me is a no-no. Usually, after the vomiting I would go to the hospital as you say but this time with the virus stuff... I tried Coca Cola after several hours passed and the vomiting had stopped. I had been afraid to drink water because everything seemed to trigger the vomiting. The low blood pressure issue resolved itself too, within a couple of days. Our local hospital has been great over the years, but it is a very small hospital, and not a lot of beds, so I was also afraid I would end up waiting it out in Emerg. I was fortunate this time, I suppose, especially given the current situation. Since I also have kidney disease, I am vulnerable. Carol

So glad things resolved. My bp is always low -- and leads to fatigue. I'm trying hard to avoid caffeinated drinks because they seemed to promote diarrhea or very loose stool per my GI doctor. Immodium has had very little effect on my ileostomy. I haven't shopped in a while and must for mom and me. May order curb-side pick-up. I had bronchitis and pneumonia in the last few years so don't think my immunity is real swell. I hope we're all managing ok these days. It IS a challenge. Stay well, folks.

Thank you Carol, for your response. Yes, we're all in the same boat, I think. I also go to the same emergency every time this happens, but just hoping not to have to at this time, due to the virus. I also avoid all kinds of nuts.

Everyone please stay well.

paula